Space Strategic Stability Assessing U.S. Concepts and Approaches
Abstract
Improvements in Russian and Chinese counterspace capabilities could endanger the space-based capabilities that the United States relies on for a broad array of military and economic functions. The proliferation of U.S. and adversary capabilities could lead to unstable competition in space, raising the risk of unintended military escalation. In this report, the authors examine the conventional wisdom on escalation in the space domain to offer recommendations for how the U.S. Space Force (USSF) and other stakeholders can better prepare to deter and manage escalation. They investigate the implications of six propositions related to stability: (1) the incentives to employ offensive capabilities early in a conflict, (2) the benefits of leveraging foreign and commercial systems, (3) the utility of communications channels for crisis prevention and de-escalation, (4) the feasibility of promoting shared norms of responsible behavior, (5) the strategic benefits of selective revelation, and (6) the use of reversible capabilities to manage escalation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 09, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1227827
Entities
People
- Alexandra T. Evans
- Andrew Radin
- Bruce Mcclintock
- Howard Wang
- Katie Feistel
- Krista Langeland
Organizations
- RAND Corporation